Win power struggle with kids by requiring them to eat provided meals

3:27 PM,
Nov. 7, 2012

Written by

Scott Jakubowski
Ask Dr. Scott

Question: My three children almost always refuse to eat what I give them and then they claim to be hungry two minutes later. It doesn't matter what we're eating. My husband says I should let them go hungry but that doesn't seem reasonable to me. I can't just let them starve. Besides, even if I wanted to, I don't want to listen to the incessant whining and grumpiness that will surely happen when they're hungry. It makes me feel like a bad mother and a bad cook. Any ideas?

Answer: Your husband is right. Don't engage in this power struggle. You're getting manipulated. It's tough to be tough but the extra ...